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Electrical training center dedicated to local leader

POCATELLO — The Eastern Idaho Electrical Joint Apprenticeship and Training Committee's new training center in Pocatello was dedicated Friday night to Jon F. Walters. Walters is a longtime member of the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers Local 449 and is a resident of Moreland.
Walters retired in 2008, capping a 48-year career with the IBEW. He completed his Inside Apprenticeship Program in 1960 and became a journeyman wireman. He served as business manager of Local 449 from 1977 to 1982.
From there, he served as the International Vice President of the IBEW's Eighth District from 1982 until 2005, when he was appointed to the International Secretary Treasurer's Office of the IBEW.
And now, a new state-of-the-art apprenticeship training facility has been named in his honor.
Addressing a crowd of brothers, friends and family Walters said he is humbled by the honor.
"This is what everything is all about in this industry; it's training," Walters said.
"This center will provide opportunities for our members and employers for many years to come," IBEW International Treasurer Salvatore Chilia said.
Edwin Hill, IBEW International President, said Walters was a strong advocate of training who represented the Local 449 well, developing the "Code of Excellence," a commitment to professionalism and quality workmanship that has been expanded and adopted nationally in electrical construction and is spreading to the IBEW’s other branches.
"You have been blessed to have Jon Walters be a part of the local history," said Michael Mowrey, International Vice President IBEW 9th District. "The spirit of Jon will live on as long as we continue to train apprentices."
Walters and his wife, Theresa, have been married 47 years. They have raised three daughters and have five grandchildren.